Previously unlicensed remixes are coming to Apple Music
If you’re a fan of mashups and disc jockey remixes, then chances are you have been constantly frustrated at trying to find that kind of music on the traditional licensed streaming services. According to Billboard, however, those genres of music are finally coming to Apple Music, thanks to an agreement with Dubset Media Holdings.
The problem, and its solution
The reason remixes, mashups, and DJ mixes have been absent from Apple Music and others for so long lies in the copyright issues. Licensing these recordings is incredibly complex.
A single mix could have upward of 600 different rights holders. According to [Dubset] CEO Stephen White, a typical mix has 25 to 30 songs that require payments to 25 to 30 record labels and anywhere from two to ten publishers for each track. The licensing has been done in-house at Dubset. Thus far the company has agreements with over 14,000 labels and publishers.
- BillboardUsing a proprietary technology called MixBank, Dubset is able to analyze a remix or long-form DJ mix file, identify which recordings are inside the file, and then pay the appropriate licensing fees to record labels and music publishers.
Newfound streaming freedom for remix creators
This whole process is said to take about 15 minutes for a 60-minute file, during which the remix’s contents are checked against the controls and restrictions set by rights holders. For example, musicians or record labels can create a rule to limit the length of a song used in a remix or mix, or prevent an artist from being associated with other musicians. An optional review process at the end allows rights holders to give final approval for the file before it is distributed.
"Apple is just the start"
While these remixes, mashups, and mixes will only be available through Apple Music at first, White says Cupertino is just the beginning.
The goal is to bring this to all 400 distributors worldwide. When you think about unlocking these millions of hours of content being created, it’s significant monetization for the industry.
- BillboardThe ability to stream mashups and remixes on Apple Music definitely bodes well for everyone involved. The fans get a legal, copyrighted way to enjoy their music, and the creators have an outlet to release their art. For record labels, the newly licensed mixes represent a new revenue stream.
